Eucharistic celebration as early as Second Century
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
We read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Para. 1345, (that) “as early as the second century we have the witness of St. Justin Martyr* for the basic lines of the order of the Eucharistic celebration. They have stayed the same until our own day for all the great liturgical families.” Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, said, “Do this in memory of me.” This was, in the upper room, as described in the Gospel of Mark (see also, Matthew 26: 25-29; and Luke 22: 13-20), that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist.”
“And as they were eating, He took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them and said, ‘Take, this is my body.’ And He took a cup and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them and they all drank of it and He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for many” (Mark 14: 22-24). “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life (John 3:16)”. The Holy Spirit made the Eucharist possible for us as we remember Him throughout the years, from the Last Supper to present time.
How anyone can deny the Catholic Faith, with such a clear line of history of Eucharistic celebrations is a mystery to me. We should be encouraged that Our Lord so loved us, to make Himself available to us throughout the ages. This is a great Gift of a loving God to all who believe in Him (Cf. Jn. 3:16 ff).
It is very important to go to Mass on Sundays and other Holidays of Obligation, and it is very important to me to do so. But not having a car (can’t afford one), this presents difficulties. Today (a Sunday), I wasn’t able to attend, and so I began to think about these things above. There are many “homebound persons” who are in the same boat. Dioceses offer TV Masses for that reason for those who are unable to get to Holy Mass; EWTN also offers the 8 AM (ET) Live Mass which I view every morning on Smart-TV.
Peace and Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS April 19, 2026
(*) St. Justin Martyr lived from abt. 100-165; converted to Christianity in 130.